Wilkinson feared that his playing career was over

The 25-year-old England star scored a try, five conversions and a penalty as Newcastle defeated the Pertemps Bees 46-17 at Kingston Park.

Wilkinson, who made his comeback after eight months out in Ireland last week, came through the friendly unscathed.

He has been building up the strength in his neck and shoulder area since undergoing surgery in February.

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"All of the pre-season has been good for him physically," said Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew.

"He did 40 minutes against Connacht, 60 against Munster and now a full game, so he's looking pretty sharp."

Wilkinson should now be fit to start the Falcons' opening Zurich Premiership match away to Worcester next Sunday.

England hope to welcome him back for their November internationals against Canada, South Africa and Australia.

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Wilkinson's return to Kingston Park was witnessed by a bumper pre-season crowd of 4,503.

New-signing Semo Sititi scored the Falcons first try while Joe Shaw, Mathew Tait, Michael Stephenson and Ed Williamson added further scores.